When changing gears in an automatic transmission, it is not recommended to depress the brake.
Modern electronically controlled automatic transmissions are equipped with a torque converter locking mechanism, which is automatically activated when the gas pedal is released. This helps reduce fuel consumption and improve gear shifting efficiency.
Squeezing the brake while changing gears can interfere with this mechanism and lead to:
* Damage to automatic transmission
* Excessive wear of friction discs
* Deterioration of gear shifting
Exception:
The only exception to this rule is when shifting gears in a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. In these cases, light pressure on the brake pedal may be necessary to equalize the rotation speed of the transmission output shafts.